School year in Spain
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A full school immersion to experience daily life at a local secondary school, improve your language skills and discover a new culture with Move and Study.
Programme key facts
The key points before preparing a school year in Spain.
Duration
From four weeks to a full school year depending on the option.
Age
School landmarks: ESO from around 14 to 16, then Bachillerato from around 16 to 18.
School
Integration into an Instituto de Educación Secundaria, with core subjects and options.
Culture
Family, the Spanish rhythm, meals, the siesta and human warmth are all part of the immersion.
Options
Classic or Plus depending on the budget, the duration and the level of choice wanted.
Classic or Plus: choosing your option
The source distinguishes two options for going to school in Spain: Classic for an authentic experience at an attractive price, and Plus to select a preferred destination.
Classic option
The ideal option for an authentic experience at an attractive price, with the destination restricted to certain regions such as Alicante, Valencia and Galicia.
Plus option
Lets you select a preferred destination from Alicante, Cadiz, Madrid, Seville or Valencia.
Soft landing in Barcelona
Optional orientation in Barcelona with visits, workshops and preparation before the adventure.
Spanish Destinations: Cultural and Educational Discovery Across the Flagship Cities
Spain, a country with a thousand facets, never ceases to delight its visitors with its cultural, historical and educational wealth. From the lively streets of Madrid to the sunny beaches of Valencia, every city offers a unique experience. Let us plunge into the heart of some of the peninsula's most emblematic cities, and discover what they have to offer students and curious travellers.
Alicante: A Mediterranean Pearl with Golden Beaches
Located on the east coast of Spain, Alicante appeals through its idyllic beaches and its rich heritage. The local schools favour language studies and the arts, thus reflecting the rich culture of the region.
Cadiz: The Former Gateway to the Atlantic and the Cradle of Flamenco
Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, is known for its maritime history and its love of flamenco. The schools focus on history, music and traditional dance.
Madrid: The Beating Heart of Spain and a Cultural Centre
A vibrant capital, Madrid is the nerve centre of Spanish art, politics and culture. The educational institutions place the emphasis on social sciences, the arts and literature, thus reflecting the cultural importance of the city.
Seville: The Essence of Andalusia and the Land of Flamenco
Seville, with its famous cathedral and its Alcazar palace, is an intoxicating blend of Moorish and Spanish culture. Education here leans towards the arts, in particular music and dance, as well as history.
Valencia: A Fusion of Modernity and History on the Mediterranean ShoreValencia, where futuristic architecture stands alongside historic buildings, is a city of innovation and tradition. The schools of the region tend to integrate technology into the curriculum, while preserving the importance of local history and the arts.
Cities and options in Spain
Choose Your Destination: Classic or Plus?
Spain opens up to you through two distinct options: Classic and Plus.
Classic option
This option is ideal for those looking for an authentic experience at an attractive price. Its main appeal? Its affordability. However, with the Classic option, the destination is restricted to the regions of Alicante, Valencia and Galicia – an opportunity to embrace the unexpected.
Plus option
For those who prefer to control their choice of city, the Plus option allows you to select your preferred destination from Alicante, Cadiz, Madrid, Seville or Valencia.
Spanish Culture
A Unique Human Warmth Spain amazes through its warm people and its timeless charm. The daily rhythm is different, in particular meal times, and the traditional siesta is still present. The family has a central place, symbolising unity and the joy of living.
Barcelona Soft Landing Camp
As soon as you arrive, an immersion in Barcelona is possible. From Friday to Sunday, discover the Catalan capital with other international students. On the programme: visits, workshops and preparation for the adventure to come. (Note: this orientation is optional and starts in September).
Whichever option you choose, we are here to guide you. Depending on the length you want, from four weeks to a full school year, we help you find your way. What is more, to refine your project and discuss the details, an individual appointment with our team is always possible.
Spain: A Journey Through History
Nestled at the south-western tip of Europe, Spain is a land of contrasts and passions, rich in a history stretching back thousands of years. With its diverse landscapes, from the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean to the steep mountains of the Pyrenees, it has always been a crossroads of civilisations.
The Iberian roots: Long before becoming the country we know today, Spain was inhabited by the Iberians, an ancient people who left indelible traces of their culture, in particular through rock art.
The Roman era: At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, the Romans began their conquest of the peninsula, leaving behind cities, roads and aqueducts that still bear witness today to their ingenuity and their ambition.
The Moors and Al-Andalus: In the 8th century, the Moors from North Africa settled in Spain and left a deep mark on architecture, science and culture for several centuries.
The Reconquista: From the 11th century, the Christian kingdoms gradually reconquered the territory, up to the capture of Granada in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs.
The Spanish Empire: After the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Spain became a major world power with many colonies.
Modern times: After a period marked by the civil war and the Franco dictatorship, Spain became a democracy in 1975 and joined the European Union.
Today: Spain appeals through its culture, its gastronomy and its traditions, offering a journey rich in history and emotion.
Spain: A Journey Through History
Nestled at the south-western tip of Europe, Spain is a land of contrasts and passions, rich in a history stretching back thousands of years. With its diverse landscapes, from the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean to the steep mountains of the Pyrenees, it has always been a crossroads of civilisations.
The Iberian roots: Long before becoming the country we know today, Spain was inhabited by the Iberians, an ancient people who left indelible traces of their culture, in particular through rock art.
The Roman era: At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, the Romans began their conquest of the peninsula, leaving behind cities, roads and aqueducts that still bear witness today to their ingenuity and their ambition.
The Moors and Al-Andalus: In the 8th century, the Moors from North Africa settled in Spain and left a deep mark on architecture, science and culture for several centuries.
The Reconquista: From the 11th century, the Christian kingdoms gradually reconquered the territory, up to the capture of Granada in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs.
The Spanish Empire: After the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Spain became a major world power with many colonies.
Modern times: After a period marked by the civil war and the Franco dictatorship, Spain became a democracy in 1975 and joined the European Union.
Today: Spain appeals through its culture, its gastronomy and its traditions, offering a journey rich in history and emotion.
Education in Spain: A Learning Journey
Spain, a country of history and culture, offers a distinctive educational pathway. From 12 to 16, students enrol at the Instituto de Educaciòn Secundaria (IES). After successfully completing this stage, they can venture into the Bachillerato for two further years.
By age:
At 14/15: 3 ESO
At 15/16: 4 ESO
At 16/17: 1 BACHILLERATO
At 17/18: 2 BACHILLERATO
The typical day starts between 8.30 am and 9 am, finishing between 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Meals fit around the school rhythm, either at school or at home.
Within the IES, six core disciplines make up the curriculum with three options to select from a diverse list, ranging from biology to music. For those who opt for the Bachillerato, a choice has to be made between Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, or Humanities.
Each lesson lasts between 50 and 55 minutes. Note that note-taking is encouraged from secondary school onwards, thus preparing students for higher education. The teachers, available and attentive, are there to guide every pupil.
Education in Spain: A Learning Journey
Spain, a country of history and culture, offers a distinctive educational pathway. From 12 to 16, students enrol at the Instituto de Educaciòn Secundaria (IES). After successfully completing this stage, they can venture into the Bachillerato for two further years.
By age:
At 14/15: 3 ESO
At 15/16: 4 ESO
At 16/17: 1 BACHILLERATO
At 17/18: 2 BACHILLERATO
The typical day starts between 8.30 am and 9 am, finishing between 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Meals fit around the school rhythm, either at school or at home.
Within the IES, six core disciplines make up the curriculum with three options to select from a diverse list, ranging from biology to music. For those who opt for the Bachillerato, a choice has to be made between Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, or Humanities.
Each lesson lasts between 50 and 55 minutes. Note that note-taking is encouraged from secondary school onwards, thus preparing students for higher education. The teachers, available and attentive, are there to guide every pupil.
Practical information and local culture
Spain: A Journey Through History
Nestled at the south-western tip of Europe, Spain is a land of contrasts and passions, rich in a history stretching back thousands of years. With its diverse landscapes, from the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean to the steep mountains of the Pyrenees, it has always been a crossroads of civilisations.
The Iberian roots: Long before becoming the country we know today, Spain was inhabited by the Iberians, an ancient people who left indelible traces of their culture, in particular through rock art.
The Roman era: At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, the Romans began their conquest of the peninsula, leaving behind cities, roads and aqueducts that still bear witness today to their ingenuity and their ambition.
The Moors and Al-Andalus: In the 8th century, the Moors from North Africa settled in Spain and left a deep mark on architecture, science and culture for several centuries.
The Reconquista: From the 11th century, the Christian kingdoms gradually reconquered the territory, up to the capture of Granada in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs.
The Spanish Empire: After the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Spain became a major world power with many colonies.
Modern times: After a period marked by the civil war and the Franco dictatorship, Spain became a democracy in 1975 and joined the European Union.
Today: Spain appeals through its culture, its gastronomy and its traditions, offering a journey rich in history and emotion.
What the support includes
- Advice on the choice between Classic and Plus.
- Information about the cities and the Spanish school system.
- Preparation of the application.
- Coordination with the local partners.
To be checked separately
Flights, insurance, local transport, personal spending, school costs or options such as the orientation in Barcelona must be confirmed according to the option chosen.
Requirements and procedure
The requirements depend on the age, the school level, the Classic or Plus option, the duration and the calendar. An individual appointment makes it possible to define the project and the details.
Registration procedure
- Information: a discussion with an adviser to define the country, the duration and the objectives.
- Profile: checking the age, the school level and the language level.
- Application: preparation of the documents and coordination with the local partner.
- Departure: practical advice, follow-up and support before arrival.
Spanish cities and experiences
The source highlights several cities and two options, Classic and Plus, without creating a child page in this round.
Alicante
A Mediterranean pearl with golden beaches, a rich heritage and a school setting open to the arts and languages.
Seville
An Andalusian city marked by flamenco, history, music and dance.
Madrid, Cadiz, Valencia
Cultural and educational landmarks for comparing the atmospheres of a stay.
Classic or Plus
Classic favours an accessible immersion; Plus gives more say in the choice of city.
Move and Study support
Move and Study supports the family in choosing the programme, putting the application together, preparing for departure and following up during the stay.
High School Spain project
Ready to prepare a school year in Spain?
An adviser can help you choose between Classic and Plus, compare the cities and prepare the application.